“There is a lot to like in this project. For a building of this scale, it sits quietly amidst the topography of the site and provides a collection of strong design elements that, when taken as a whole, captured the judges’ praise. The project has exceptional visual appeal. In a community of many fine examples for the research and development genre, this building offers the best of itself from every direction. A great combination of materials and design cues that direct the visitor to the heart of the project. Perfect for the biotech and R&D clients intended, all the elements comes together and make this prominent location a neighbor worth emulating.”

-Judges’ Statement, Gold Nugget Awards

STUDIOS worked with Stanford Real Estate to design this new research and development campus, which is sited on a high profile location at the corner of Page Mill Road and Porter Drive within the Stanford Research Park. Redevelopment of this site was an attractive and highly visible reflection of the ongoing modernization and revitalization of the Park; the addition of the mini-campus helps to reinforce the Park’s distinction as the hub of innovation in the Valley.

The new building is two stories above grade with a below grade parking garage. The building is nestled into the contours of the site; landscaping and pedestrian areas are prominent and integral to the architectural concept.

The building is shaped into two architectural wings and set back from the site perimeter, keeping the scale of the project consistent with neighboring structures. The north wing of the building has a gently curving façade that orients and directs visitors towards the main site entrance. A pedestrian-scaled arrival court extends into and through the main lobby, and into a central courtyard between the north and south wings. A signature elevator
tower acts as a way-finding element, clearly marking the building’s main entry. A landscaped stairwell element guides employees and guests up to the main entry plaza from the garage below.

High-performance, sustainable building design and site development were integral to the project. The orientation of the building is towards the north/south to maximize day-lighting while reducing energy loads. Southern exposure glass is protected with sunshades and western glass is protected by exterior shades. Recycled materials and extensive stormwater pollution prevention measures such as bioretention are integrated into the site design and landscaping. High-performance glazing is provided throughout.

A majority of the existing substantial landscaping was protected or relocated. New plantings are native and low-water use species that further connect the site to the greater context of the area as well as reduce the total amount of water used by the project. A curving landscape wall echoes the architecture and engages the building with the sculptural character of the site’s topography. A former landscape bowl screening an unsightly satellite dish was improved to provide casual seating opportunities in a sculptural garden setting.